engleski

Psychological risk pf physical inactivity in children and youth during COVID pandemic

INTRODUCTION: The Covid pandemic drastically changed lives and social behavior of the world population. Social distance measures and movement restriction prevent the spread of virus but cause life habits changes. It contributed to the sedentary lifestyle and increased screen time that endangered physical and mental health, especially in vulnerable children and youth. Psychological difficulties increased in last two years. Loneliness, typical for seniors appeared between youth ; development of stress, anxiety, and depression symptoms were more prevalent in countries severely affected by corona, especially among girls and adolescents. Children were worried for family members health, missed contacts with peers and sports activities. Youth were more anxious, felt a loss of meaning, missed opportunities to meet social development needs leading to doses of anger and injustice. It led to helplessness and depression due to the lack of control and change. Graduates experienced even higher pressure, as they had to pass national exams, aware of knowledge gaps in online schooling. METHODS: The large body of evidence of possible short-and long-term effects of covid pandemic were examined. RESULTS: The ‘new normal’ caused hypokinetic pandemic with short- and long-term consequences. The obesity rate increased. Interruption of regular movement, sport and exercise caused changes in brain chemistry, led to lower mood, higher irritability and concentration problems, especially in children. Online schooling increased average screen time, children were constantly exposed to internet content because it was continuously available. They began using electronic devices for learning, entertainment, and socializing. Prolonged exposure to artificial blue light, especially in the evening disrupts the natural sleep-wake cycle by tricking the brain to not produce melatonin. A person feels less sleepy, continues device activity, and starts a closed cycle of too little sleep. This is especially true for younger people due to different eye structure. It can lead to internet addiction and difunctional relations with parents and peers. Long- term effects are visible in the change of habits (social behavior, learning, free time) and skills (communication, self-discipline, time management) that shape a new set of values in a sensitive age. It reflects the embrace of an exciting sedentary lifestyle – that is a good chance to have inactive, obese, depressed, and unproductive adults. CONCLUSION: Studies showed that all risks and problems were higher in the second than in the first covid year. We all experience a kind of burnout and feel saturated with rules, measures, external control without real sense of help. Our children are growing up in the world of dissatisfied, anxious adults who feel deprivation and resentment. Each adult is responsible for their own well-being, but we are all responsible for their development, their future, as well as their present. Despite human race is strong and capable to overcome the toughest adversities, overall wellbeing of the youth is our responsibility, we must find much better way in the present situation. Otherwise, they might ask us: ‘We were young, inexperienced, and immature, we couldn’t understand and know, but what was your problem?’

mental health ; children ; youth ; covid-19

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